Ricky Gervais has drawn criticism for posting promotional content for his YouTube channel and tour shortly after his "The Office" co-star, Lucy Davis, revealed her battle with incurable breast cancer.
Davis, 53, announced on Tuesday evening that her cancer has spread to her bones and that she "doesn't know how long she has left." Gervais responded to her announcement with a heart emoji in the comments, to which Davis replied with "xxx." Gervais's partner, Jane Fallon, was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year.
However, Gervais proceeded to share several posts promoting his work on X (formerly Twitter) within hours of Davis's announcement. He asked followers to subscribe to his YouTube channel, stating, "They're mostly s***. Please subscribe anyway." He also retweeted posts about his new Netflix show, "Alleycats."
These actions led to backlash from some social media users who deemed the posts "insensitive" and "tone deaf." One user commented, "Bit tone deaf. Former co-worker on one of the most successful pieces of work you've been involved in, revealed she is terminally ill, and you're posting this stuff all evening."
Others expressed similar sentiments, questioning the timing and content of his posts. The Daily Mail has reached out to Gervais's spokesperson for comment.
Davis, who played receptionist Dawn Tinsley in the UK version of "The Office" alongside Gervais's David Brent, shared her diagnosis in an Instagram post. She detailed discovering a "tiny, hard spot" in her breast a year prior and subsequently being diagnosed with stage four breast cancer that has metastasized to her bones. Despite the diagnosis being incurable and too late for chemotherapy, Davis stated she is "at peace with whatever comes next."
She also shared an emotional video of herself ringing a cancer treatment bell and discussed her efforts to live her remaining time "in as fun a way as possible," emphasizing the importance of humor and urging others not to treat her as a sick person.
Following Davis's announcement, a wave of support poured in from celebrities and fans. Jenna Fischer, who played an alternative version of Davis's character in the US "Office," offered her love and support. Amanda Abbington, who worked with Davis on "Married Single Other," sent "the biggest cuddle and all my love." Piers Morgan described the news as "devastating" and praised Davis's courage, while Ulrika Jonsson called her post "heartbreaking to read but beautifully written and articulate."
Davis has a history of health challenges, including a kidney transplant in 1997 and a past struggle with bulimia. She is also the daughter of comedian Jasper Carrott. Despite her current health battle, Davis expressed her continued commitment to animal rights work and acting.
Breast Cancer Now released a statement acknowledging Davis's openness, highlighting the need for continued research and investment in treating metastatic breast cancer. The charity offered support and information to those affected by breast cancer.